Publications
Heritage Law and Symbolic Politics in Canada: Image Supersedes Protection under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act
This study reveals that Canada's Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act functions more as symbolic legislation than effective preservation policy. Despite its intent to protect railway stations, the Act lacks strong regulatory teeth and instead creates an illusion of government action and public engagement. The research highlights how emotional appeals, legal complexities, and imbalanced political power between heritage advocates and railway companies undermine real-world protection efforts. By challenging the dominance of discourse analysis in critical heritage studies, this work emphasizes the need to assess heritage law's practical impacts alongside its symbolic dimensions. A case study approach was employed, drawing on insights from Old Town Lunenburg World Heritage Site, where Senior Planner Hilary Grant's expertise was leveraged. The findings underscore the gap between heritage recognition and tangible conservation outcomes.
Cost Benefit Analysis of UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation in Nova Scotia
UNESCO World Heritage (WH) designation can significantly boost visitor spending, but its economic viability depends on visitation levels and rising costs. A cost-benefit analysis of Old Town Lunenburg, a WH site since 1995, revealed a 6.2% increase in Nova Scotia's tourism revenue post-designation. The study projected similar proportional benefits for Grand Pré National Historic Site, which is seeking WH status. However, the escalating costs of designation pose challenges, particularly for smaller-scale attractions. The research highlights that while WH recognition can drive economic growth, its long-term sustainability requires careful consideration of visitation impacts and financial burdens.
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